Page 27 of The Boss Situation

“This conversation isn’t over,” Billie tells me, and then she moves toward Catherine. “I’m Billie Calloway. He has no manners and doesn’t know how to introduce people.”

“I’m Catherine. Oh, so you’retheBillie Calloway?” she asks, grinning, taking her hand. “The diamond princess.”

“The infamous,” I say, understanding it’s a dig. “But these days, Bills here goes by the Ice Queen or Wednesday Addams of Fashion.”

Billie turns to me. “Go to hell, Banks.”

“I’m there anytime you’re close to me,” I state.

The comebacks just easily roll off my tongue. She makes it too easy.

“It was very nice meeting you, Catherine,” she says politely, then walks past me with a groan.

The sweet smell of her perfume lingers in the air as the door snaps shut.

“Finally!” I yell, knowing she can hear me.

Catherine turns to me. “Wow.You two should date.”

“Um, no. We very much hate each other,” I explain. “There is no love lost,trust me.”

She stares at me for a few extra seconds. “That’s too bad. I sensed something.”

“Yeah, too bad forher. Everyone knows I’m a catch,” I say with alaugh, realizing she’s not the first person this week who has paired me with Billie Calloway. It’smaddening.

“That’s why you should let me set you up with my sister. I’ll have you married in a month.”

“I’m good. But thank you for the perfect timing and the food. I didn’t think she wouldeverleave, and I’d skipped lunch.” I untie the plastic bag and pull out the Lo mein noodles container and chopsticks.

“It’s no problem. You do it for us when we don’t want to leave. Oh, I charged it to your account. Murray got a drink to go. He says thanks,” she says, moving toward the door. “Have a good night, Asher. You’re sure you hate one another?”

“Yes,” I tell her.

Paparazzi take pictures of her as she leaves. I send her a quick apology text. I didn’t notice if they were out there when Billie left. If they were, I bet she was livid. I wish I could text her to ensure she made it home okay. Considering Billie lives two blocks away, I assume she did, especially with cameras in her face.

As I eat, my phone vibrates. I glance down at the screen and see a photo from Nick. More specifically, a screenshot from one of those anonymous gossip sites.

Blind Item #139

The diamond princess and the cocky billionaire marketer were flirting before the ceremony. After the nepo-baby award ceremony, they were spotted leaving together. He had also been seen leaving her office earlier this week. It’s rumored they hate one another, but there’s new speculation that they’re secretly dating.

Laughter escapesme as I reply.

Asher

Fucking hilarious how well these people will spin a narrative.

Nick

I wondered.

Asher

It was the usual back-and-forth. However, this blind will make her panic. LOL.

Nick

The LOL makes you a dick.

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